Telford and Wrekin schools set for breakfast club expansion following successful pilot

This move follows a highly successful pilot scheme at Lawley Primary School, which has seen a marked transformation in how pupils begin their educational day.

Since joining the pilot in March last year, Lawley Primary has offered every pupil a free breakfast alongside thirty minutes of childcare. The initiative, managed by familiar school staff, provides a consistent and calm environment that has proved particularly beneficial for children who find the morning transition challenging.

Sarah Nicholas, the operational lead at Lawley Primary School, noted that the club has strengthened relationships and bolstered student wellbeing. Daily attendance averages around 120 pupils, though this figure has risen as high as 145 on popular "porridge days." Beyond nutrition, the school reports tangible improvements in punctuality, pupil confidence, and general readiness to learn.

Building on these results, the government has confirmed that five additional schools within the Borough will now join the scheme. The newly included institutions are Holmer Lake Primary School, Woodlands Primary School, William Reynolds Primary School and Nursery, John Randall Primary School, and Windmill Primary School. Lawley Primary is currently playing a pivotal role in this rollout by sharing practical guidance and effective practices with these neighbouring institutions to help them develop their own provision.

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment and Skills, welcomed the expansion as a vital support system for local families. She highlighted that the clubs offer essential flexibility for working parents and carers, allowing for earlier drop-off times while ensuring children arrive in the classroom nourished, settled, and prepared for the day ahead.